Paeonia Lactiflora is an ornamental flowery plant also known with the Mandarin name of Bai Shao.  Shao means White, and the plant produces a white-winged, fragrant flower. It is an ornamental flower from the Herbaceous Perennial flowering plant.

History. It comes from the areas Central to Eastern Asia such as Tibet, China, Japan and Siberia. The plant can grow to 60 to 100 cm tall.  It produces compound leaves usually 20-40 cm long and flower buds which open in beautiful fragrant round flowers 8-16 cm in diameters,  with 5-10 white as well as pink or red petals with bright yellow stamens. The plant which was first introduced in England In the mid to late 1700 hundreds was the white peony  However there are many colors now available, from pure milk white, to pink, rose, and near red. The flowers also range from single to full double forms. They are very prolific and preferred perennials. The name has ancient origins going back to the Greek Gods. Supposed to have been given its name after the God of medicine Paeosa who seemed to have cured Pluto as well as other Gods during the 10 year long Trojan war.

Medicinal usages. It has been used in Traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. The part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes is the root. This contains enzymes such as: paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxipaeoniflorin, pentagalloylglucose, paeonilactones A, B and C.  The dosage varies according to doctor's prescription and symptoms. The root is used for: reducing fever and pain and to prevent or cure infections. Other uses are for nourishing the blood, assist in memory loss, epilepsy (often combined with Licorice), smooth muscle spasm and Migraine headaches. It is also used to alleviate Female Conditions such as Dysmenhorrea, Menstrual Dysfunction, and smooth muscle spasm in Dysmenhorrea. Other conditions include blurred vision, dizziness, spontaneous sweating (especially during menopause). The prescribed dosage ranges between 2-6 gr. x day of dried roots or 4-12 mL x day of 1:2 fluid extract.

Growing Information:

Paeonia Lactiflora (Chinese Peony) is grown as an ornamental perennial plant in gardens as well as in plants. Usually planted in gardens in rich well drained soil usually between Sep-Oct, and positioned in full sun. If the area has extremely hot climate in the month of April, low to partial sun is a preferred potting site. It is recommended to add rich compost and well rotted manure while preparing the site, and to repeat each fall. Plant roots with eyes 1"-2" deep should be planted at a minimum distance of 24"-36"apart. Paeonia Lactiflora are known to grow quickly to their full height, and bloom from the spring to late fall. They can last for up to 50 to 75 years if well maintained.  It is recommended to water the site in periods of drought. Fertilizer should be used a couple of times a year. It should be high in Phosphorus and sprayed two to three weeks before blooming. Peonies produce a thick, lush plant, therefore trimming is recommended when the plant becomes too bushy. Trimming will improve air circulation and avoid diseases. It is advised, once the plants grow tall and tick, to support it with garden stakes or hoops. In the fall, it is important to trim the plant back. If there are signs of diseases, it can be trimmed back to the ground. If the plant is in an area, where snow if frequent it is advised to cover it during the winter month.